Ballad of the Spurr House
by Luanne Crosby
2019
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A song for those who fought to save a historic house from being torn down for parking. Enjoy!
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First Chorus:
They tried to tear it down
But there were people in the town that just said “No!’ NO No
Though many were remarking
That we needed land for parking
The rest of us said Whoa!
Hold on to the wrecking ball
That ain’t happening at all
We’re going to save this piece of history
It shall not be destroyed
And though some might be annoyed
It will find its former glory wait and see!
Verse 1
The house at 7 Parkman
Built mid 19th century
Is known as Greek Revival
Architecturally
The Italiante porch is really
Quite a special touch
And part of why it’s so admired
By local history buffs
Verse 2
Sarah Spurr and then her daughters
Lived there many years
That’s how the Spurr House got its name
That much is pretty clear
Fannie Forbes who’s known quite well in town
For her philanthropy
Bequeathed it to the powers that be in 1933
Chorus
Verse 3
The town leased out the building
It fell into disrepair
Lack of maintenance and upkeep
Made it look the worse for wear
Those who said it was an eyesore
Almost got their way
Let’s give a round of applause to demolition delay
Verse 4
It would have cost a quarter million
If the house had been torn down (instead)
New owner’s bought the place and now pay taxes to the town
Let’s be glad we didn’t listen and we put up a fight
Those who worked to save the Spurr House really got it right!
Chorus
Bridge:
Lack of will and imagination
As in the case of the fire station
Could have doomed the preservation
Of another gem
Then the long due parking study
Cleared waters that had muddied
And proved space for cars is plenty
That we didn’t need the 20
We’d have gained if the Spurr House had been condemned.
Last Chorus:
They tried to tear it down
But there were people in the town that just said “No! No! No!’
Though many were remarking
That we needed land for parking
The rest of us said Whoa!
Hold on to the wrecking ball
That ain’t happening it all
We’re going to save this piece of history
And it was not destroyed
And though some are still annoyed
It has a new and storied glory all can see!